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Love Lost, Life Gained: A Story of Chaos and Patience
“Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation.”
It all started five years ago when my life, as I knew it, fell apart. After five seemingly happy years with my then-boyfriend, I discovered he had fallen in love with someone else.
But let’s rewind a bit. We began as close friends, part of the same circle. Over time, our friendship evolved into love and, eventually, a committed relationship. About two and a half years in, we became curious about others and decided to open our relationship. It was exciting — we explored new connections and experiences while staying deeply in love.
In that moment, the life we had built crumbled.
The arrangement worked, even though some people didn’t understand it. We were happy, trusting, and secure. At least, I thought we were. Then everything changed.
He started seeing a fellow student, and I wasn’t worried at first. After all, this was the kind of freedom we’d agreed on. But soon, I noticed the distance. He was always on his phone, distracted. Then the pandemic hit, and lockdowns added fear and isolation to the mix.
When I finally confronted him about his feelings, his answer broke me: he still loved me but also loved her —…
